Hello friends! I’m Jen…wife, mother, daughter and home enthusiast!
Infused with some sweet recollections and a side of sarcasm, this blog shares my creative adventures in cooking, decorating, and entertaining. I am inspired by my mother’s belief and attitude that with just a little extra effort, you can make something ordinary into something extraordinary. Read about my mom, Jude, here.
Whether it is a favorite recipe I grew up with, exciting twists on classics or fresh new discoveries, there is something here for everyone. Despite hectic evenings as a mom of 3, I believe diverse and delicious weeknight meals are possible, in fact, they are necessary as we gather around the dinner table together.
Mixed in with all this good food is a little decorating chit chat too. I believe bringing some flair to my home can be affordable. All it takes is a little garnish that you can do yourself!
Entertaining and party styling is my passion. Give me a theme and I’ll run with it. A festive tablescape, a creative menu, and a signature drink means party success in my book.
My family is the best part of me.
Bill. The Better Half. He is a smart, bourbon loving, brisket smoking, hilarious, and kind person. I fell in love with him when we were 18 years old and he still gives me butterflies. You never know what voice is entering the room with his hysterical impersonations. He embraces my wild home project ideas and turns our garage into a workshop to make my visions come to life. He also enthusiastically embraces my adventurous weeknight meals.
Jackson. The Boy. He is a sharp-witted and motivated kid with a hilarious sense of humor. He’s a soccer, basketball and bacon lover and has recently realized that hot sauce goes on everything. He can throw down a one pound burger like it’s nobody’s business. The only challenge he is not willing to take on is a vegetable. I’ve learned to pick my battles.
Maggie. The Middle Child extraordinaire that keeps us on our toes. She is the most creative, clever and artistic of the bunch. Give her a pile of junk and she’ll make a masterpiece. She loves cooking alongside me and has been known to whip up a cake without permission. She’ll never pass up a hard boiled egg or the chance to taste something new but show her a scallop and she’ll never let you forget just how much she can’t stand them.
Ella. The Bean. Quirky and imaginative, this girl could have her own Netflix show with the things her Barbies say. She is extremely generous and is obsessed with her daddy. She’s a fruit and vegetable loving girl but if you cook them, she won’t eat ’em. If she’s not following her sister around the house, she’s getting crazy with her brother in the family room.
Oh, and then there’s that pup, Griffin. I caved and finally agreed to this new family member that stole my heart.
